What's it really matter? My doing it or not doing it doesn't change the fact that its illegal. Breaking the Encryption of a DVD is illegal per the DMCA. There are some copyright exceptions for backing up your own property, ie, if you buy the DVD, but, not if its rented. Additionally, ripping onto a computer and subsequent distribution (or "sharing") of the files once on the computer is an even more serious violation (regardless of any monetary gain).

My use of the word "criminal" is at least a little bit tongue in cheek, but, its indisputable that its illegal. Just because there will, in all likelihood, be no punishment for doing it does not mean that it is legal.

As for me, I've not downloaded music, movies, or programs for a little over three years now. Don't take that as a holier than thou comment, I'm just simply stating. I'm not on a crusade to end IP piracy -- I'm sure my wife downloads music -- but, I find myself more and more sympathetic towards the copyright owners.

What's it really matter? My doing it or not doing it doesn't change the fact that its illegal. Breaking the Encryption of a DVD is illegal per the DMCA. There are some copyright exceptions for backing up your own property, ie, if you buy the DVD, but, not if its rented. Additionally, ripping onto a computer and subsequent distribution (or "sharing") of the files once on the computer is an even more serious violation (regardless of any monetary gain).

My use of the word "criminal" is at least a little bit tongue in cheek, but, its indisputable that its illegal. Just because there will, in all likelihood, be no punishment for doing it does not mean that it is legal.

As for me, I've not downloaded music, movies, or programs for a little over three years now. Don't take that as a holier than thou comment, I'm just simply stating. I'm not on a crusade to end IP piracy -- I'm sure my wife downloads music -- but, I find myself more and more sympathetic towards the copyright owners.

My grandpa always tells me it's not stealing if you use it, I live by that

What's it really matter? My doing it or not doing it doesn't change the fact that its illegal. Breaking the Encryption of a DVD is illegal per the DMCA. There are some copyright exceptions for backing up your own property, ie, if you buy the DVD, but, not if its rented. Additionally, ripping onto a computer and subsequent distribution (or "sharing") of the files once on the computer is an even more serious violation (regardless of any monetary gain).

My use of the word "criminal" is at least a little bit tongue in cheek, but, its indisputable that its illegal. Just because there will, in all likelihood, be no punishment for doing it does not mean that it is legal.

As for me, I've not downloaded music, movies, or programs for a little over three years now. Don't take that as a holier than thou comment, I'm just simply stating. I'm not on a crusade to end IP piracy -- I'm sure my wife downloads music -- but, I find myself more and more sympathetic towards the copyright owners.

I just feel that if you have done it in the past or now, commenting on or calling the kettle black is a little overrated.

So it's illegal to "break the encryption." What if I put the movie in a DVD player and used my video inputs to record the movie the way I use my PC as a DVR? The laws just are't catching up to technology.

So it's illegal to "break the encryption." What if I put the movie in a DVD player and used my video inputs to record the movie the way I use my PC as a DVR? The laws just are't catching up to technology.

There is always a way around everything. Everyone downloads and rips and knows it illegal. The fact is, the legality of the subject is hiding in plain site, and people aren't afraid because most of these rules and descriptions are not clear on what can be done.

The MPAA wanted people to buy the disc again digitally to put it on their Ipod. Even the term's "fair use" have come into the firing range by them. So if they aren't willing to play fair, then neither am I.

So it's illegal to "break the encryption." What if I put the movie in a DVD player and used my video inputs to record the movie the way I use my PC as a DVR? The laws just are't catching up to technology.

No, the law is simple, it is illegal to make copies of copyrighted works. Period. Not that I haven't done it, but the law is very simple in it's fact.

What's it really matter? My doing it or not doing it doesn't change the fact that its illegal. Breaking the Encryption of a DVD is illegal per the DMCA. There are some copyright exceptions for backing up your own property, ie, if you buy the DVD, but, not if its rented. Additionally, ripping onto a computer and subsequent distribution (or "sharing") of the files once on the computer is an even more serious violation (regardless of any monetary gain).

My use of the word "criminal" is at least a little bit tongue in cheek, but, its indisputable that its illegal. Just because there will, in all likelihood, be no punishment for doing it does not mean that it is legal.

As for me, I've not downloaded music, movies, or programs for a little over three years now. Don't take that as a holier than thou comment, I'm just simply stating. I'm not on a crusade to end IP piracy -- I'm sure my wife downloads music -- but, I find myself more and more sympathetic towards the copyright owners.

I just feel that if you have done it in the past or now, commenting on or calling the kettle black is a little overrated.

Huh, as a general outlook that's pretty bleak. Once you've committed a wrong, don't bother questioning behavior in the future? I really did not understand all the issues until I went through law school and took some IP law classes. Now that I do, I refrain from doing it. If I'm unqualified to speak on the issue, then so be it.